Category: Social Media

People criticize me for using social media accounts all the time, but I like to make new friends, and sometimes they like to meet me in person. It’s wonderful to meet so many interesting people, but I strongly recommend that everyone uses this in a safe manner because it can quickly become a fast way to meet people. It’s kind of like speed dating, but you don’t have to date anyone if you don’t want to date them. I try to be honest about my intentions before I meet someone, and I let them know if they are fulfilling my needs as the relationship progresses. If someone isn’t meeting your needs of the right relationships, then you can always go back to the applications to find the right person.

Skout is an interesting online dating site and smart phone app that has really changed the way I looked at the industry. I wanted to meet people, but I didn’t want to necessarily date them. I am always looking for the right romantic partner, but I want to make sure that she is the right person for me. I don’t settle, so Skout has been really useful in terms of always having a new person to talk to if and when the old relationships run stale.

It’s important that I make it clear that I’m not saying you should use your friends and go about life that way. You should treat people with respect, and always be honest to them about how you feel. If they don’t care about your feelings, however, there are certainly people out there that will care about you. Skout has been that shoulder to cry on for me. If a relationship runs stale, I go to Skout for a new person to help replace the other person.

Skout conducted a recent survey of approximately 23,000 people to find out which people have online friends. A whopping 75 percent of people surveyed reported that they indeed had an online friend or more. It was also indicated that a high percentage of people would meet their online friend from Skout. This is interesting to see because it asserts that people are indeed using this application like I use it. We like to make friends, what can I say? Here’s the link to that article from PR Newswire for you to browse in your own time and space.

Using discernment when it comes to keeping up the latest social media apps that teens are using now days, is the right thing to do. Trends vary so it may be hard to keep up, but it’s worth it to stay abreast with what’s going on in the world.

Maintaining an open line of communication is important – you don’t want to be missing in action if something that could possibly be life changing is happening to your child. Letting them know that you’ll be there for them regardless of any mishaps that come along, will assure them that they can talk to you about anything.

As a parent you can’t afford to be technologically challenged. In order to enter their world, you should insist that they download apps from your app store only and open accounts using your email address, not their own. That way you’ll receive notifications every time they download material.

Here’s a list of some apps you may not be aware of. Each app differs; certain ones that allow pictures, snapshots, or photos, and ones that are more-so text centered.

1. Omegle – which is definitely not for teen use. This app has does not require registration of any kind and is of particular interest to teens because they like the idea of maintaining anonymity. Users of this app are able to either text only or chat via video. The app is primarily used for sexual interactions.

2. Skout – allows both adults and teenagers to join. This forum gives participants the ability to post, comment on other posts, submit photos, and text. Skout can be advantageous if your kid is trying to date because it’s got a section designated for teens alone. However, ages are not verified.

3. Tinder – basically this app has text ability as well as for sharing pictures. Members are able to match up with people who are closer to them. They use a system of swiping as a way to show that they like or pass on someone.

4. ooVoo – users of this app can communicate through voice, text, or video. Typically it’s kept open during homework time and can therefore be distracting. One of its advantages is that only those pre-approved on the teens list of persons who are permitted to contact them, have access.

5. WhatsApp – allows messaging via audio, visual, and text. You do have to meet the 16 years of age requirement in order to participate. There’s also an address book where you can connect with friends who have a WhatApp account.

There are many ways for your teen to get into social communities, but as long as you communicate everything will be fine.

Look no further than Austin based Status Labs. President and co-founder, Darius Fisher can not only “fix your online reputation” but he can also effectively increase a brand’s sales and presence with a successful digital marketing and public relations campaign.

Since its founding in 2011, Status Labs has grown its staff to 30, opened offices in both New York and São Paulo and has amassed a client base of 1,500 in more than 35 countries. Athletes, politicians, Fortune 500 companies and other public figures come to them in hopes of getting a second chance.

Fisher and his team at Status Labs make it their business to handle any kind of online crisis as well as provide proactive solutions in an effort to avoid adversity and to positively impact a client’s online presence; with Google search results or social media before, during and after a crisis.

The Status Labs team stands by their work and their ability to provide top notch services to their clients. And, the PR community is noticing; PRWeek included Fisher in their Innovation 50, a list recognizing rising stars of the PR and digital communications profession. Status Labs has also received honorable mentions this year from the New York Times and Yahoo! News for their role in assisting victims of the Ashley Madison hack.

A graduate of Vanderbilt University, Fisher has worked as a copywriter at Agora Publishing as well as a political consultant. He has also developed highly successful companies that have generated more than $20 million.